NRMA Insurance Publish Vehicle Reversing Visibility Index Results

NRMA Insurance and Kidsafe urge parents to supervise their children closely especially when around cars following publication of Reversing Visibility Index test results.

Annually we release the results of our Reversing Visibility Index to encourage manufacturers to take into account reversing visibility in their vehicle design.

(PRWEB) January 21, 2014

Sydney, NSW: In a survey of 500 NSW parents, over 90 per cent said they believe driveway safety is an important issue and worryingly, 70 per cent think the worst is likely to happen in their own driveway*. Kidsafe NSW Executive Officer Christine Erskine said the New Year provides a timely reminder that road safety is critical and children are especially vulnerable around cars.

"Toddlers and young school children move quickly and have no real sense of danger, therefore they could be in the path of a moving vehicle quite suddenly," said Ms. Erskine. On average nationally, seven children are killed each year and 60 are seriously injured after being hit or run over by a motor vehicle at home**.

"The survey also showed that almost one in three NSW parents are letting their children play in the driveway. We strongly recommend that parents avoid letting their children use the driveway as a play area, they can be mini roads with unpredictable traffic.

"Parents should try and find a separate space for children to play and closely supervise them at all times, especially if a vehicle is being moved, as we all want to help avoid the worst happening," said Ms. Erskine.

Parents shouldn’t be complacent about road safety only at home though. Many families are rushing around shop car parks or away on a break in a different environment such as rental accommodation or caravan parks which can also be busy with cars moving in and out. NRMA Insurance Head of Research Robert McDonald said it’s important all drivers take extra care when reversing.

"Annually we release the results of our Reversing Visibility Index to encourage manufacturers to take into account reversing visibility in their vehicle design and educate drivers about the importance of reversing technology and to remain vigilant about child safety," Mr McDonald said.

About NRMA Insurance:
NRMA Insurance is a provider of car insurance, motorcycle insurance, home insurance, business insurance, travel insurance, boat insurance, caravan insurance, life insurance, income protection, security and bicycle insurance in NSW, QLD, ACT & TAS (boat and caravan insurance is not offered in Tasmania). For insurance in other states and territories visit SGIO insurance in WA or SGIC insurance in SA. NRMA Insurance, SGIO & SGIC are members of Insurance Australia Group (IAG). NRMA Motoring & Services is a separate and independent company from NRMA Insurance. Insurance (except Travel Insurance, Life Insurance and Income Protection) issued by Insurance Australia Limited ABN 11 000 016 722 trading as NRMA Insurance. When making decisions about NRMA insurance consider the applicable Product Disclosure Statement in advance.